Parl panel raps WCD Min for not utilising Nirbhaya Fund

A Parliamentary panel on Wednesday  rapped the Women and Child Development Ministry for letting the Nirbhaya Fund “lie idle” for a few years when crimes against women have been on the rise and asked it to come up with steps to ensure their safety.

“Crime against women is on the rise. Many more steps can be taken up to tackle this issue. Concerted efforts have not been taken by the ministry. It is unfortunate that huge funds are lying idle when so much can be done for the protection and welfare of women. It is to be noted that Nirbhaya Fund has been available for the last 2 to 3 years. It is high time that the ministry takes up this matter earnestly,” the panel said in its Action Taken Report.

The Committee has also asked the ministry to submit a status note on the use of the amount.